Envelop and moistening implement



-(No Model.)

' v F. G. PRESNELL. ENVELOP AND MOISTENING IMPLEMENT. No. 561,239. Patented June 2, 1896.

WITNESSES: INVENTUR c/, fiw/dh, C/ W)? 5%Mw/4 K ATTORNEVJI UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK G. PRESNELL, OF CHILLIOOTIIE, OHIO.

ENVELOP AND MOISTENING IMPLEMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 561,239, dated June 2, 1896.

Application filed August 13 1895. Serial No. 559,126. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK G. PRESNELL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chillicothe, in the county of Ross and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and use ful Improvements in Envelop and Moistenin g Implements, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention relates to devices for opening envelops; and the object thereof is to provide a combination device of this class which is simple in construction and operation, and which in addition to being adapted to be used for opening an envelop is also provided with an eraser, and with means for moistening the gummed surface thereof and the gummed surface of stamps, which may be also used for sealing an envelop.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improvement; Fig. 2, a perspective view showing the operation or use of the device in moistening the gummed surface of an envelop; Fig. 3, a similar view showing the method of sealing an envelop, and Fig. at a view showing the operation of the device in opening an envelop.

My improved device consists of a body portion A, having formed on one side thereof a cylinder or tube B, in one end of which is held a rubber or eraser C.

The body portion Amay be formed of thin metal, from which the cylinder or tube B is rolled into proper shape, and at the lower part of the body A is a socket or tubular receptacle D, in which is held a sponge E for moistening the gummed surface of an envelop or of stamps, or an ordinary brush may be substitu ted for the sponge for applying mucilage or gum, and the socket or tubular extension D may be so formed as to fit into the neck of a mucilage or other bottle and constitute a stopper therefor.

On the side of the body portion A opposite to the cylinder or tube B is formed a blade II, which is separated from the body A by a slot G, the inner edge h of said blade being sharpened, and said blade being provided with a point K, and the outer edge thereof may be sharpened for use as an ink-eraser, if desired.

The parts of the device, excepting the eraser O and the sponge or brush E, are all preferably made from a single piece of metal, such as steel suitably cut and shaped into the desired form.

When the device is to be used, the body A thereof is grasped in the hand, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and can be held so that the sponge or brush E can be used, as shown in Fig. 2, or so that the cylinder or tube 13 can be used to press the gummed sides or ends of an envelop together, as shown in Fig. 3, or to press a gummed stamp upon the envelop into position, or the device may be used, as shown in Fig. 4, for opening an envelop, and, as will be understood, the eraser C may be also conveniently used by holding the device in the proper position.

My invention is not limited to the exact form, construction, and arrangement of parts shown, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such alterations therein and modifications thereof as fairly come within the scope of the invention.

Having fully described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. A device for opening envelops, comprising a body portion, having a blade on one side thereof, by which an envelop may be opened, and an eraser-holder at the opposite side and a receptacle for a brush or sponge at one end thereof, the receptacle for the sponge or brush being tubular in form, and adapted to serve as a cork or stopper for the bottle, substantially as shown and described.

2. A device for opening envelops and other articles, comprising a body portion, having a projecting blade formed on one side thereof,

a cylindrical or tubular portion on the opposite side thereof, adapted to hold an eraser, and a tubular receptacle for a brush or sponge at one end thereof, said tubular receptacle being adapted to serve as a stopper for a bottle, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of the subscribing witnesses, this 31st day of July, 1895.

FRANK G. PRESNELL.

Witnesses:

JAMES W. POWELL, CHARLES CROW. 

